The Well and the Blue Star Group are teaming up to bring the next wave of new restaurants to the downtown food hall in February and March. The culinary partnership not only forms a long-term culinary backbone, but it also aligns a shared vision of community building, unparalleled hospitality and reshaping the local food and beverage landscape, according to a press release.
“Establishing this connection with Blue Star Group aligns seamlessly with The Well’s evolution as we approach our third year of operation,” said Justin Anderson, who serves as the operational partner at The Well. “Collaborating with a local, well-respected and accomplished team like Blue Star Group aligns perfectly with our continued goal to elevate our food and beverage offerings while delivering unrivaled service to our guests. At the heart of it, alongside our philanthropic partners, both groups share a fundamental vision centered around fostering and nurturing community in diverse ways.”
In the first quarter of 2024, The Well will introduce three new restaurants to its culinary line-up. Two of those will be concepts operated by the Blue Star Group. In February, Blue Star Group will be bringing back the beloved local favorite La’ua’s Taco Shop, and it will also unveil a brand new addition to its gastronomic line-up, set for launch in March.
Additionally, Gift Horse Bar & Cafe is expanding its offerings with a new spinoff called Giddy Up & Go. The expansion will introduce a breakfast and lunch menu served 8 a.m. – 3 p.m. daily, with its full menu served throughout the day.
Rounding out The Well’s culinary lineup for 2024 is Formosa Bites, which opened in the food hall in early 2023. The concept will continue serving its authentic Taiwanese fare, such as red chili oil wontons and pork belly sliders. We recommend the curry fries, noodle bowls and rice bowls.
Other concepts from the 2023 lineup — Tossed, Sivar and Opus Creative Kitchen (formerly Shovel Ready) — will move out of The Well. Opus Creative Kitchen will branch out to its own location. Tossed is continuing to serve its healthy fare from its food truck, catered events and paired dinners, including an upcoming Valentine’s paired dinner with Pikes Peak Brewing.
Since 2022, The Well has operated as a public extension of The Philanthropy Collective, providing both a culinary destination and incubator as well as a space and force for positive local change. Its mission is “to create a place where culinary excellence and community impact converge in a space that offers an approachable and comfortable setting for individuals and organizations to meet up, collaborate and contribute to the community’s betterment beyond the traditional office space or boardroom.” You can read more about its origins in New Food Hall The Well Is Coming to Downtown.
The Blue Star Group currently includes the Ivywild Kitchen, Decent Pizza, Lazo Empanadas, the Principal’s Office, Gold Star Bakery and Stellina Pizza Cafe. Its owner is long-time restaurateur Joe Coleman who spearheaded the transformation of the Ivywild School along with Mike Bristol, owner of Bristol Brewing.
The new collaboration between Blue Star and The Well aims to further a unique and positive environment where culinary team members can grow, develop and thrive as they foster mentorship and find success within the food and beverage industry. For local diners and foodies, it will continue to provide a better place to eat, drink and connect with the community.
You can follow the progress of the new restaurants at wellinthesprings.com.
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